Neymar stars as Brazil put four past Italy

Neymar was once again the star of the show for Brazil as the Confederations Cup host nation put four past Italy.

The 21-year-old, who last month signed for Barcelona, slammed home a stunning free-kick on 55 minutes for his third goal of the tournament as Brazil finished top of Group A on maximum points.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's men had taken the lead in first half injury time when defender Dante, on for David Luiz who picked up a dead leg, pounced after the normally reliable Italian defence failed to clear from an in-swinging Neymar cross.

Emanuele Giaccherini scorched an equaliser past Julio Cesar after a sublime touch from Mario Balotelli before Neymar raised the roof with his dead-ball.

The game looked over when Fred out-muscled Giorgio Chiellini to make it 3-1, but the Italian defender made amends moments after when he pulled one back.

Fred made the points safe late on with a tap-in after Gianluigi Buffon failed to hold on to a Neymar strike.

In the other Group A game between the teams already eliminated, Mexico beat Japan 2-1 thanks to a double from Javier Hernandez.

The Manchester United striker could have completed a hat-trick late on, but having missed a penalty, he slammed the rebound against the bar.